Painting Conservator Assistant for Exhibitions & Research

Barnes Foundation; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 42,705 - 44,083; Full time

Job summary

Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia seeks an Assistant Conservator of Paintings for a two-year appointment. You will examine, document, and treat paintings and frames under senior guidance while supporting the exhibition and loan program.

You will collaborate with curators and conservation staff, participate in technical studies using imaging tools, and assist with preventive conservation, outreach, and training as a courier for traveling exhibitions.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in art conservation, minimum two years’ painting conservation experience.
• Knowledge of, and willingness to abide by, the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Excellent hand skills and knowledge of current conservation treatment practices.
• Experience with digital and technical imaging for conservation documentation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others, and to work independently, and capacity to meet deadlines.
• Experience with collections management databases, especially Gallery System’s, The Museum System (TMS), highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Performs the examination, documentation, and treatment of paintings and minor treatment of frames as determined by department priorities and approved by the Senior Director of Conservation and Chief Conservator of Paintings.
• Performs technical studies to evaluate the materials and techniques used by an artist, maker, or school as necessary and/or as requested using technical documentation techniques including, but not limited to x-ray radiography, infrared reflectography, and ultraviolet illumination photography.
• Coordinates with the Conservator of Paintings and assists with elemental analysis produced by x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) for selected paintings.
• Participate in the exhibition and loan program alongside department conservators, registrars, preparators, and curatorial staff.
• Completes training as a courier to accompany works of art or archival materials from the collection for traveling exhibitions.
• Works with the conservation department to accomplish preventive conservation tasks, such as collections housekeeping.
• Assists in the ongoing education of Barnes Foundation staff and interns on the basics of conservation; lectures as requested.
• Stays abreast of the field by attending conferences and publishing where possible.
• As a team member, assists in the research, maintenance, and ordering of supplies and equipment in the conservation department.
• Prepares monthly progress reports to the Senior Director of Conservation and Chief Conservator of Paintings.
• Performs other duties, as requested.

Skills

Hand skills

Documentation skills

Verbal and written communication

Independent and collaborative work

Technical imaging for documentation

Education

Master’s degree in art conservation

Tools

Gallery System’s

The Museum System (TMS)

Job description

Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia seeks an Assistant Conservator of Paintings for a two-year appointment. You will examine, document, and treat paintings and frames under senior guidance while supporting the exhibition and loan program.

You will collaborate with curators and conservation staff, participate in technical studies using imaging tools, and assist with preventive conservation, outreach, and training as a courier for traveling exhibitions.